Bryan Oviedo returned to competitive match action on Sunday – like he hadn’t been away.

In his first appearance since suffering a devastating double-break of his left leg, Everton’s Costa Rican defender showed the same attitude and spirit which has made him so popular with the Blues fans.

In the 90th minute of a hotly contested Under-21 clash with Chelsea at Finch Farm, Oviedo slid into a 50-50 challenge.

He emerged unscathed to underline his recovery from a cruel injury which forced him out of his nation’s World Cup heroics.

“It was tremendous for him to go in for that ball even if a few, myself included, were wincing a little bit on the side,” admitted under-21 coach David Unsworth.

“But he came through it fantastically well and I’ve seen him afterwards and he said he’s feeling good.

“It’s brilliant to see Bryan back.

“His injury is in the past and now he’s well on the road to recovery.”

Arouna Kone was another welcome selection in Unsworth’s side.

The striker, who missed most of last season with a cruciate knee ligament injury, played 80 minutes before making way for Courtney Duffus.

Everton lost the match 2-0, undone by a first-half brace from Chelsea midfielder Jeremie Boga.

But the return of two influential figures was the biggest plus for the Blues.